By Alan Carasso
In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this weekend running at Hanshin and Tokyo Racecourses. Group 1 racing returns to Japan with Sunday's running of the February S. at headquarters, in which the very talented Cafe Pharaoh (American Pharoah) is likely to jump a warm favorite:
Saturday, February 20, 2021
2nd-HSN, ¥9,680,000 ($92k), Maiden, 3yo, 1400m
FINE HAPPY (f, 3, Runhappy–Unbridled Empire, by Empire Maker) gave a good account of herself when fourth, beaten about five lengths, on Tokyo debut Jan. 30. The $340K Keeneland September yearling, a half-sister to GISW Arklow (Arch) and MGSW Maraud (Blame), was produced by a half-sister to GISW and Japanese stallion Fourty Niners Son (Distorted Humor) and GISW Cindy's Hero (Sea Hero), the dam of MGSW & GISP Delegation (Speightstown). This is also the family of champion Silverbulletday (Silver Deputy). B-John R & Frank Penn (KY)
6th-HSN, ¥13,830,000 ($131k), Allowance, 3yo, 1800m
JASPER DREAM (c, 3, Speightstown–Liberated, by Curlin) overcame a double-digit draw to best fellow US-bred Voix d'Ange (Curlin) going this trip at Chukyo Jan. 11 (see below, gate 11) and returns to the dirt off an unplaced effort on turf in the Listed Wakagoma S. Jan. 23. The $125K KEESEP yearling is out of a Grade II-placed daughter of SW & GISP Lady Melesi (Colonial Affair), the dam of SW/MGSP Seruni (Saint Liam), GSW English Affair (English Channel), SW Roman Emperor (Empire Maker) and GSP Doc Cheney (Saint Ballado). Connections opt for this spot over Sunday's Listed Hyacinth S. B-G Watts Humphrey Jr (KY)
Sunday, February 21, 2021
3rd-TOK, ¥11,400,000 ($108k), Newcomers, 3yo, 1600m
KARNAK (JPN) (c, 3, American Pharoah–Kitten's Dumplings, by Kitten's Joy) is the first Japanese-foaled for his dam, winner of the 2013 GI Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland and acquired privately by Shadai Farm in 2016. The mare's first foal is Karnak's 4-year-old US-bred full-brother Abul Haul, a maiden winner from five runs and also entered on Sunday's program at Tokyo. Kitten's Dumplings is a full-sister to GSW Granny's Kitten and SW/GSP Granny Mc's Kitten. Christophe Lemaire has the call. B-Shadai Farm
11th-HSN, ¥41,800,000 ($395k), Handicap, 4yo/up, 1200m
HERRSCHAFT (c, 4, Will Take Charge–Love Ava Love, by Mr. Greeley) was one of the surprise packages among last year's Japanese 3-year-old crop, winning twice from three starts, including the Fukuryu S. (allowance) in March (see below, gate 2), what was to be the final leg of the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby. The $110K KEENOV weanling turned $200K KEESEP yearling is out of a half-sister to MSW & GSP Global Power (Pulpit) and his third dam is 1994 Canadian Horse of the Year Alywow (Alysheba). B-Colts LLC (KY)
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
